As entrepreneur Larry Kim has said: “What are the 11 most boring words in the English language? “ I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Generic, non-personalized messages have a low probability of success. Your messages are weak: Being specific and sensitive is especially important in 2020, a year of upheaval and loss on many levels.No one will respond to “It would be good to connect with you,” unless they know what’s in it for them. You’re putting your own needs first: Don’t be self-serving.You don’t know what you want: Have you thought about why you’re reaching out to someone? Are you seeking more information about a role or company? A relationship that can grow? Or a lifeline to a potential future mentor or employer?.But first, let’s look at five common mistakes you might be making: If you’ve been hesitant to reach out to people on LinkedIn, or if you’ve been reaching out and not hearing back, there are strategies you can use to increase your chances. Other newsletters or opt out at any time by managing yourĬommon mistakes people make while networking on LinkedIn The problem is, while LinkedIn shows promise for early career professionals too, few are using it well - especially when it comes to outreach. Sure, it may lack the light-hearted user experience of other social platforms, but it offers the opportunity to track trends, make meaningful connections, and maintain a curated digital resume that recruiters and potential employers can easily access and review. LinkedIn may be your best shot at expanding your network while so many people are WFH. Still, effective networking online is key for young people seeking their next role - possibly a remote job, given broader industry trends and permanent WFH announcements from major companies like Facebook and Twitter. If networking isn’t at the top of your to-do list, it should be - unless you’re Beyoncé.įor those of us who aren’t Queen Bey, cultivating your network offers many benefits: greater learning opportunities, broader career prospects, access to leaders’ insights, and more immediate job options, among others.īut what previously took place face-to-face in local meetups, alumni gatherings, industry conferences, and happy hours is now largely confined to video due to the global pandemic.

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